monterey OS: cannot change desktop picture

are you referring to using your own pictures as a desktop picture?

if yes, i found the same issue with big sur a while back. (and now with monterey) this works until apple fixes it. (if they ever do)

you can open your photos app. choose a picture and single click it to highlight it. then click the share button at the top of the photos window and choose Set Desktop Picture.

If you try to select a Desktop Picture that has an iCloud Download symbol (circled in red), you have to click on the symbol to download it first.

jeffreythefrog wrote:

are you referring to using your own pictures as a desktop picture?

if yes, i found the same issue with big sur a while back. (and now with monterey) this works until apple fixes it. (if they ever do)

What issue? That's how it's supposed to work from Photos. If you want to set an image from the Pictures or other folder, just right-click on the image and select Services > Set Desktop Picture from the menu that opens.

that's what i mean. if i control+click my desktop, or if i go directly to SystemPreferences > Desktop& Screensaver, for me my photos app pics do not appear as a choice. to use those pics i need to go the "photos app" route. i've tried a safe boot as well as SMC reset / NVRAM reset with no change.

To get it to display any picture in the Apple -> Desktop Pictures file (and assuming you downloaded a copy [if it has a cloud/download symbol, you need to click on the cloud to download it first]) you have to select a picture in Photos -> Albums -> pick any album & any picture. Once it displays this picture on your desktop, then you can select any option from any folder (including Apple -> Desktop Pictures) & it will display appropriately.

I don't remember what Big Sur did but in Monterey you have to create an Album in Photos for the pictures to show in Desktop & Screen Saver.

Are you going to System Preferences>Desktop & Screen Saver>Desktop and selecting another image?

What happens when you try? Are you selecting one of the existing images?

Woodcarver59 wrote:

This worked like a charm!!! Thank you. I can now return to my normal frustrations!!!!!

You're welcome.

dialabrain wrote:

in Monterey you have to create an Album in Photos for the pictures to show in Desktop & Screen Saver.

thank you! that was a change i was unaware of. :)

You're welcome.